Cañon City Mattress Races

About Cañon City Mattress Races

​Date:  Friday, July 17, 2026
Start Time:  Mandatory racer safety meeting at 5:00 pm, Race launch at 5:30 PM
Start Location:  Cañon City Whitewater Park
End Location: WKRP Wave
Registration:  Centennial Park Registration Tent throughout the day on Friday or online 
Cost:  Free
​Spots Available: 20 total — first come, first served
Prize: Winner gets a six-pack of Monster Energy and a box of BlueDEF

Event Description:
This is it — the first-ever Cañon City Mattress Race. Bring any inflatable air mattress you’ve got and race head-to-head down the Arkansas River in a high-stakes, low-budget battle from the Ice House Wave to the WKRP Wave. No paddles. No motors. Just raw current and river chaos. First across the finish wins it all.

Cañon City Mattress Race

The Rules

  1. Inflatable Air Mattresses Only
    • Any style or size of inflatable air mattress is allowed. No solid floats, pool rafts, or kayaks.
  2. PFDs Required
    • A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be worn at all times.
  3. Helmet Required
    • Whitewater helmet required for all participants.
  4. No Paddles or Propulsion Devices
    • Racers may only use body position and river current. No tools or attachments.
  5. Listen to Safety Staff
    • All participants must follow directions from event marshals and river safety personnel.
  6. Stay Safe
    • If you fall off, swim to shore or into an eddy. Safety crews will be stationed along the course.
  7. Leave No Trace
    • All mattresses and gear must be removed from the river at the end of the race.